Charles Ellicott Commentary Mark 9:37

"Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me." — Mark 9:37 (ASV)

Whosoever shall receive.—St. Mark omits part of what St. Matthew records, Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself . . . and, with St. Luke, adds the last clause, Whosoever shall receive Me . . . The climax carries the truth to its completion. When we love a little child in the name of Christ, i.e., for His sake, and after His manner, we are sharers in His spirit, and when we love or receive Him who was one with the Father, we enter into fellowship with Him who is the Supreme and Eternal Love (John 14:23).